Pharmac Notification

Pharmac is widening access to funded influenza vaccination from today for all children under 5 (under 59 months inclusive).

This means all children in this age group are now eligible for a free influenza vaccine (Influvac Tetra).

The change follows an increase in influenza-related illness, particularly among young children, and confirmation that there is sufficient vaccine supply available in New Zealand to support widened access.

Children under five years of age are more likely than any other age group to be admitted to hospital with severe respiratory illness resulting from influenza, and recent data has shown increasing hospitalisations in this age group.

This decision is separate to Pharmac's previously announced decision to fund influenza vaccination for children under five for the 2027 influenza season. That decision remains in place. Today's action has been taken in response to current influenza activity and the availability of vaccine supply.

More information is available on our website:

•  Pharmac to fund flu vaccine for under 5s from today

We encourage parents and caregivers of children under 5 to talk to their doctor, nurse, hauora provider or pharmacist about getting vaccinated.

We will continue to keep Pharmac's website updated. If you have any questions, please contact us at enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz.

Ngā mihi,

Pharmac | Te Pātaka Whaioranga | P: +0800 660 050 | www.pharmac.govt.nz